How to keep your buddy safe from canine influenza
The topic of canine influenza is in the media. From newspapers to social media, it's a concern for those of us who share our lives with dogs.
The AVMA, ASPCA, CDC and doginfluenza.com provide information about the Canine Influenza Virus.
CIV is a highly contagious respiratory disease that has affected thousands of dogs in the United States. CIV was first reported in Florida in 2004, and the virus has spread. Canine influenza has been documented in 40 states, including Illinois.
Since CIV is a relatively new virus, most dogs have not been exposed to it before and are not immune to it. Dogs of any age and breed are susceptible to CIV.
The disease is easily transmitted between dogs through respiratory secretions. The virus does not survive for a long time in the environment, so dogs usually get CIV when they are in close proximity to other infectious dogs.
It is easily spread by direct contact, such as when dogs kiss, lick or nuzzle each other; droplets in the air from a cough or sneeze; or contaminated objects such as dog bowls, doorknobs or clothing.
Any dog who interacts with large numbers of dogs is at increased risk for exposure, including canines who attend doggy day care, go to groomers, dog parks or are boarded regularly.
Symptoms of Canine Influenza Virus are coughing, sneezing, fever, nasal discharge, rapid/difficult breathing, loss of appetite and lethargy.
If quickly diagnosed and treated, the fatality rate from CIV is quite low. Deaths are usually caused by secondary complications such as developing into pneumonia.
It is important dogs with CIV get proper veterinary care, which includes medications to treat and protect against secondary bacterial infections, intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, treatment for pneumonia, and good nutrition and supplements to raise immunity.
Any dog infected with CIV should be kept isolated from other dogs for 10-14 days. Dogs are most infectious before symptoms are present and can continue spreading the virus for about 10 days.
There is an approved vaccination for Canine Influenza Virus. If you have any questions regarding the disease, including vaccinating your dog, contact your veterinarian. Our dogs depend on us to keep them healthy.
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